Champions Trophy: Zadran Sets Historic 177 as Afghanistan Achieves Record Total
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Ibrahim Zadran's remarkable 177 leads Afghanistan to their highest total in ICC events, setting a new Champions Trophy record against England with a score of 325/7 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Zadran's 177 is a record for Afghanistan in ICC tournaments.
- First century by an Afghanistan player in Champions Trophy.
- Achieved highest total of 325 against England.
- Partnership of 103 runs with Shahidi was crucial.
- Last 10 overs saw a surge of 113 runs.
Lahore, Feb 26 (NationPress) Ibrahim Zadran made a significant mark in Afghanistan’s cricket legacy with a spectacular score of 177 runs off 146 balls, leading his team to their highest total in any ICC 50-over tournament. His innings, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, enabled Afghanistan to reach 325/7 against England during a vital Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
By dismantling the England bowling lineup, Zadran became the inaugural Afghanistan player to achieve a century in the Champions Trophy, setting a new record for the highest individual score in the tournament’s history with 177 runs, surpassing Ben Duckett’s previous record of 165 in England's first match of the tournament against Australia in Lahore.
Zadran’s performance was a textbook example of pacing an ODI innings. After a shaky start where Afghanistan found themselves at 37/3, he collaborated with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi to construct a vital 103-run partnership.
Once settled, Zadran unleashed a series of aggressive shots, effectively dismantling England’s attack. His innings was characterized by domination rather than mere survival, as he surged in the closing stages, ensuring Afghanistan capitalized on their final overs with an impressive 113-run surge in the last 10 overs. His effort helped Afghanistan eclipse their previous highest total in ICC tournaments — 291/5 against Australia at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
England initially struck hard with Jofra Archer’s fiery opening spell, reducing Afghanistan to 37/3, but the crucial 103-run partnership between Zadran and Shahidi brought stability to the innings.
Both Zadran and Shahidi led the recovery for Afghanistan. They played cautiously at first to avoid further losses. Zadran reached his half-century off 65 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Shahidi provided essential support, stabilizing the innings.
Late contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi propelled Afghanistan to a robust finish, with England's bowlers struggling as they conceded 113 runs in the final 10 overs.
